COPYRIGHT, 1918
BY
THE DRAMATIC
PUBLISHING COMPANY
CHICAGO
THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY
CAST OF CHARACTERS
|
Prince Hizen, Lord of Nabeshima Buzen, his chief councillor Ruiten, a priest Ito Soda, a common soldier Kashiku, a maid O Toyo, wife of the prince |
| TIME: Medieval Japan. |
| SCENE: The room of O Toyo in the palace. |
| TIME OF ACTION: Between 10 and 12 p.m. |
|
Note.—According to the old Japanese legend, the soul of a cat can enter a human being. |
THE VAMPIRE CAT
Scene. At R. is a dressing table, upon it a steel mirror, toilet articles, and two lighted candles with ornate shades. R. U. a section of shoji leads to another room, this section is now closed. At R. C. a large section of shoji is open, giving a view of the garden. To the R. of this entrance is a small shrine and Buddha. At L. of the room is a sleeping mat and head rest. By the head rest a lantern, now unlighted. Down L. is an open section of shoji leading to the Prince's apartments. Just above it stands a screen. As the curtain rises the Prince is standing R. C. looking out into the garden. Ruiten is down R. and Buzen slightly above him. Buzen crosses L.
Prince. [Comes down between Ruiten and Buzen.]
Settle for me tonight
My sicknesses and my fears—
[To Buzen.] Settle them for me,
Sir Buzen, councillor crafty.
[To Ruiten.] Settle them for me,
Priest Ruiten, the prayerful.
Ruiten. So are we trying in all ways
Thy pain to relieve
Yet nought seems availing.